Housing for encasing an electronic device

• US 8,973,753 B2
• Filed: 09/27/2013
• Issued: 03/10/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Treefrog Developments Incorporated (Otter Products LLC)
• Original Assignee: Treefrog Developments Incorporated (Otter Products LLC)
• Inventors: Rayner, Gary
• Primary Examiner(s): GEHMAN, BRYON P
• Application Number:
  US14/040,351
• Publication Number:
  US 20140027317A1
• Time in Patent Office: 529 Days
• Field of Search: 206/305, 206/320, 361/679.02, 361/679.03, 361/679.26, 36167955-67959, 361/724, 361/727, 455/90.3, 455/575.1, 455/575.8
• US Class Current: 206/320
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/00 Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 specially adapted for toiletry or cosmetic equipment A45D29/20, A45D44/18; travelling sewing kits A45F3/48
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/002 Protective covers
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/002 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/003 for portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/00 Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials B65D71/00, B65D83/00 take precedence; hand implements or travelling equipment A45C; cosmetic or toiletry equipment A45D; packages for surgical knives, scalpels or blades therefor A61B17/3215; containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes A61J1/00; paint cans B44D3/12; oil cans F16N3/04; containers for carrying small arms F41C33/06; packaging of ammunition or explosive charges F42B39/00; containers for record carriers, specially adapted for cooperation with the recording or reproducing apparatus G11B23/00
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/08 Waterproof bodies or housings
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1613 for portable computers cooling arrangements therefor G06F1/203; constructional details or arrangements for pocket calculators, electronic agendas or books G06F15/0216; constructional details of portable telephone sets: with several bodies H04M1/0202
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1637 Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/00 Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers subscriber services or facilities provided at exchanges H04M3/00; prepayment telephone coin boxes H04M17/00; current supply arrangements H04M19/08
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0004 comprising several parts forming a closed casing
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0013 assembled by resilient members
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0017 with operator interface units
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0217 Mechanical details of casings covers, lids, hoods or members for covering apertures H05K5/03
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0221 Locks; Latches
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/06 Hermetically-sealed casings specially adapted for small components H05K5/0095
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/061 : sealed by a gasket held between a removable cover and a body, e.g. O-ring, packing
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/069 : Other details of the casing, e.g. wall structure, passage for a connector, a cable, a shaft

Abstract

An apparatus and system for housing a device include a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member optionally includes front and back surfaces surrounded by a perimeter. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.

Claims

1. An apparatus for housing an electronic device having a touch screen display and one or more buttons, the apparatus comprising:

a perimeter member having a back surface, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, opposing side portions, and a front surface having a first opening corresponding to a perimeter of the touch screen display of the electronic device, the first opening framed by a top perimeter portion, the proximal end portion, distal end portion, opposing side portions, and top perimeter portion defining an outer perimeter, and the back surface, proximal end portion, distal end portion, opposing side portions, and front surface defining an inner cavity into which the electronic device may be fitted;

a top member comprising an inner surface and an outer surface surrounded by a first rigid frame having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the proximal end portion, distal end portion, and opposing side portions of the first rigid frame of the top member being adapted to receive at least a portion of the outer perimeter and front surface of the perimeter member to mate the front surface of the perimeter member with the inner surface of the top member, the first rigid frame having a first clasping mechanism; and

a bottom member having an inner surface and an outer surface surrounded by a second rigid frame having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the proximal end portion, distal end portion, and opposing side portions of the second rigid frame being adapted to receive the back surface of the perimeter member to mate the back surface of the perimeter member with the inner surface of the bottom member, the second rigid frame having a second clasping mechanism to clasp with the first clasping mechanism to seal the perimeter member around the electronic device, at least one of the top member and bottom members further having at least one button feature to access an associated button of the one or more buttons of the electronic device.

2. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the top member further comprises a membrane that at least partially overlays the touch screen display of the electronic device.

3. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the perimeter member comprises a flexible material.

4. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein one of the first and second clasping members comprises at least one clasping member selected from the group of clasping members consisting of:

a tooth, a tooth receptacle, a ridge member, and a groove.

5. The apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the other of the first and second clasping members comprises at least one clasping member selected from the group of clasping members consisting of:

a tooth, a tooth receptacle, a ridge member, and a groove.

6. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the perimeter member includes one or more sound ports.

7. The apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein at least one of the top and bottom members further includes a sound port aperture corresponding with each of the one or more sound ports of the perimeter member.

8. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

a charge port aperture in the perimeter member proximate an electrical connection of the electronic device; and

a door attached to the apparatus proximate the charge port aperture, the door having an open configuration to enable access to the electrical connection of the electronic device, and a closed configuration to close the charge port aperture.

9. The apparatus in accordance with claim 8, wherein the door is positioned on one of the top and bottom members.

10. The apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the other of the top and bottom members further comprises a door aperture corresponding with the door.

11. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first rigid frame of the top member further comprises a switch receiving aperture to receive a switch protruding from the electronic device.

12. The apparatus in accordance with claim 11, further comprising a switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal attached to the encasement, the switch mechanism further including a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the electronic device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the electronic device.

13. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein, when the second clasping mechanism is clasped with the first clasping mechanism to seal the perimeter member around the electronic device, the back surface of the perimeter member is mated with the inner surface of the bottom member, and the front surface of the perimeter member is mated with the inner surface of the top member, and the apparatus is resistant to incursion of water to the electronic device.

14. An apparatus for housing an electronic device having a touch screen display and one or more buttons, the apparatus comprising:

a perimeter member having a back surface, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, opposing side portions, and a front surface having a first opening corresponding to a perimeter of the touch screen display of the electronic device, the first opening framed by a top perimeter portion, the proximal end portion, distal end portion, and opposing side portions, and defining an outer perimeter, and the back surface, proximal end portion, distal end portion, opposing side portions, and front surface defining an inner cavity into which the electronic device may be fitted;

a top member comprising an inner surface and an outer surface surrounded by a first frame member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the proximal end portion, distal end portion, and opposing side portions of the first frame of the top member being adapted to receive at least a portion of the outer perimeter and front surface of the perimeter member to mate the front surface of the perimeter member with the inner surface of the bottom member, the first frame member having a first clasping mechanism; and

a bottom member having an inner surface and an outer surface surrounded by a second frame member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the proximal end portion, distal end portion, and opposing side portions of the second frame member being adapted to receive the back surface of the perimeter member to mate the back surface of the perimeter member with the inner surface of the bottom member, the second frame member having a second clasping mechanism to clasp with the first clasping mechanism to seal the perimeter member around the electronic device, at least one of the perimeter, top and bottom members further having at least one button feature to control an associated button of the electronic device.

15. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein the top member further comprises a membrane that at least partially overlays the touch screen display of the electronic device.

16. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein the perimeter member comprises a flexible material.

17. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein one of the first and second clasping members comprises at least one clasping member selected from the group of clasping members consisting of:

a tooth, a tooth receptacle, a ridge member, and a groove.

18. The apparatus in accordance with claim 17, wherein the other of the first and second clasping members comprises at least one clasping member selected from the group of clasping members consisting of:

a tooth, a tooth receptacle, a ridge member, and a groove.

19. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein the perimeter member includes one or more sound ports.

20. The apparatus in accordance with claim 19, wherein at least one of the top and bottom members further includes a sound port aperture corresponding with each of the one or more sound ports of the perimeter member.

21. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14, further comprising:

a charge port aperture in the perimeter member proximate an electrical connection of the electronic device; and

a door attached to the apparatus proximate the charge port aperture, the door having an open configuration to enable access to the electrical connection of the electronic device, and a closed configuration to close the charge port aperture.

22. The apparatus in accordance with claim 21, wherein the door is positioned on one of the top and bottom members.

23. The apparatus in accordance with claim 22, wherein the other of the top and bottom members further comprises a door aperture corresponding with the door.

24. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein the first rigid frame of the top member further comprises a switch receiving aperture to receive a switch protruding from the electronic device.

25. The apparatus in accordance with claim 24, further comprising a switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal attached to the encasement, the switch mechanism further including a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the electronic device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the electronic device.

26. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein, when the second clasping mechanism is clasped with the first clasping mechanism to seal the perimeter member around the electronic device, the back surface of the perimeter member is mated with the front surface of the bottom member, and the front surface of the perimeter member is mated with the back surface of the top member, and the apparatus is resistant to incursion of water to the electronic device.

27. An apparatus for housing an electronic device having a touch screen display and one or more buttons, the apparatus comprising:

a perimeter member having a back surface, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, opposing side portions, and a front surface having a first opening corresponding to a perimeter of the touch screen display of the electronic device, the back surface, proximal end portion, distal end portion, opposing side portions, and front surface defining an inner cavity into which the electronic device may be fitted;

a top member comprising an inner surface and an outer surface surrounded by a first frame member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the proximal end portion, distal end portion, and opposing side portions of the first frame member of the top member being adapted to receive at least a portion of the front surface of the perimeter member to mate the front surface of the perimeter member with the inner surface of the top member, the first frame member having a first clasping mechanism; and

a bottom member having an inner surface and an outer surface surrounded by a second frame member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the proximal end portion, distal end portion, and opposing side portions of the second frame member being adapted to receive at least a portion of the front surface of the perimeter member to mate the front surface of the perimeter member with the inner surface of the bottom member, the second frame member having a second clasping mechanism to clasp with the first clasping mechanism to maintain the perimeter member around the electronic device, at least one of the perimeter, top and bottom members further having at least one button feature to control an associated button of the one or more buttons of the electronic device.

28. The apparatus in accordance with claim 27, wherein one of the first and second clasping members comprises at least one clasping members selected from the group consisting of:

a plurality of teeth; and

a ridge members; and

wherein the other of the first and second clasping members comprises at least one clasping member selected from the group consisting of;

a plurality of tooth receptacles; and

a groove.

29. An apparatus for housing an electronic device having a touch screen display, one or more buttons, and an electrical connection for charging the electronic device, the apparatus comprising:

a perimeter member having a back surface, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, opposing side portions, and a front surface having a first opening corresponding to a perimeter of the touch screen display of the electronic device, the back surface, proximal end portion, distal end portion, opposing side portions, and front surface defining an inner cavity into which the electronic device may be fitted;

a top member comprising an inner surface and an outer surface surrounded by a first frame member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the proximal end portion, distal end portion, and opposing side portions of the first frame of the top member being adapted to receive at least a portion of the front surface of the perimeter member to mate the inner surface of the perimeter member with the front surface of the bottom member, the first frame member having a first clasping mechanism; and

a bottom member having an inner surface and an outer surface surrounded by a second frame member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the proximal end portion, distal end portion, and opposing side portions of the second frame member being adapted to receive at least a portion of the back surface of the perimeter member to mate the back surface of the perimeter member with the inner surface of the bottom member, the second frame member having a second clasping mechanism to clasp with the first clasping mechanism to maintain the perimeter member around the electronic device, at least one of the top and bottom members further having at least one button feature to access an associated button of the one or more buttons of the electronic device.

30. The apparatus in accordance with claim 29, further comprising:

a charge port aperture in the perimeter member proximate an electrical connection of the electronic device; and

a door attached to the apparatus proximate the charge port aperture, the door having an open configuration to enable access to the electrical connection of the electronic device, and a closed configuration to close the charge port aperture.